Twelve-Year Old Violinist Clarissa Bevilacqua to Perform at Bethel United Church of Christ

Twelve year-old violin sensation Clarissa Bevilacqua will perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto at Bethel United Church of Christ, 315 E. St. Charles Rd. in Elmhurst, on Sunday, February 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary, accompanied by Jeffrey Panko, Bethel’s Minister of Music.  Clarissa recently received first prize in the European Music Competition in Italy.  She started playing the violin at age five and gave her first solo recital at age ten.  As a Sony Classical Talent Scout prize winner, Clarissa can be heard on a Sony CD with other winners.  She has appeared on Live from WFMT Chicago and has performed at Symphony Center and at many fundraising and cultural events.  She was invited to perform as a soloist at the 2011 Chicago mayoral inauguration ceremony at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, and at the NATO Summit Chicago 2012 event.  Clarissa currently studies violin with Dr. Olga Kaler, Professor at DePaul University School of Music, and chamber music with David Taylor, New Music School Violin Faculty and Chicago Symphony Orchestra Assistant Concertmaster.  

Clarissa founded the initiative Music Can Make a Difference to promote awareness of the life-changing impact music can have. Through this initiative she is committed to being actively involved in helping others in the community. When she is not busy with her violin, Clarissa loves to write. She has recently published a children’s book, “Do You Really Know Your ABCs?” and is currently writing a teen mystery novel.

The concert is free of charge.  Bethel United Church of Christ offers free parking and is handicapped-accessible.  Call 630-279-4040 for more information.